travis . heidi . boe . sam . max

What? i was really busy!!!!

2009-06-09T09:51:00.009-06:00

Highlights of the last 10 months . . . in pictures.

Since Travis went to the Academy AGAIN, I took all three kids by mys elf to Georgia and FLorida.

We had such a great time. Went to the beach. Which we all needed and love.

Sam tried swimming in a gator infested pond. notice the water dripping below him!

We got to fly . . . . with three kids, 3 car seats, 1 really great double stroller, 3 sippy's and LOTS of snacks.

We love the Amersons!!! We miss them too!

We met lots of great new friends, which Boe lovingly refers to as her 'new cousins. '

Riding in Joey's new Razor was a blast.

The Atlanta Aquarium was AWESOME! We went with the Corks, more new 'cousins.' My kids loved it, heck I Loved it!

And here is Trav getting the bad guys at the academy, while we basked in the southern sun.

More of the aquarium, this is the whale shark, which we lOVE thanks to Diego teaching us about it.

Ofcourse, Buzz loved the aquarium too! (the small striped 'thing' that sam is carrying)

This is Gracie, we love her.

This is Pauline. The lady that I think I served my mission for! From the moment I met her, I knew that we had known each other before. I love you Pauline. Also, thanks for the Elephant . . . I'm sure you didn't know there is a weight limit on luggage and that it only cost an extra $75!!!

Me and my sweet boys

We've had A LOT of these! This particular one involved sam throwing a jack in the box into Max's crib . . . . with max in the crib.

We got to visit the blabla store in Atlanta, it was definately a highlight of our trip. And if you know us at all you know that we are ga ga for blabla. They were so good to us and we left there with a whole new family of blabla's. THANK YOU BLABLA, we love you. Can't wait to come back.

The blabla store.

here we are after destroying the store.

A playground in Douglas, GA. Our second home. Boe got to play with a whole bunch of new friends.

Boe turned 4! All she wanted was princess dresses! Here she is in a stunning tinkerbelle ensemble, with tule accents, some sparkly stuff and fabulous new hairdo. Just right for spring.

As you can see, Travis has his truck and is an official 'Uinta County Sheriff Deputy'

Sam is STILL managing to fall asleep just about anywhere.

We moved in November, bought a cute little house 'uptown.' This is the before . . . .

This is about a month ago . . . . . I'll post 'the now' as soon as we get it finished.

Natalee is our best friend and when she visits we have such a great time. Here we are in the middle of Choir practice!

Max is just cute, honestly . . . isn't he just cute?

Boe got a funky disease, spent the night at Primary Children's and had lots of these bumps and swollen parts. She was a so brave and all the nurses and doctors fell in love with her.

Boe is quite the bowler!

Sam is just funny and always saying/doing randomness.

I will be so glad when this stage is over!

So to all of you that have been cussing me out, knock it off. To all of you who missed us and didn't even know it, I'm reminding you why. Stay tuned for more in 10 months! hee hee

Boe's videos

2008-09-24T14:07:00.000-06:00

Sam, Sam the camera Man

2008-09-24T13:40:00.010-06:00

Whenever I turn on the camera, I find new and interesting images that neither Trav or I took! I surely don't want to discourage his efforts, who knows what he may get from it. Although, our camera now needs tape on parts! There also a few videos, so sit back and enjoy.

Ah, my shirt

There we go

It's 7 am mom and dad are still asleep, i think I'll take some photos

Is this thing on?

Here we go

oh, this will be fun

I'll just head up stairs and wake up Boe and Max . . . They will love this!

Up the stairs

I have huge feet
good morning little buddy

I'll just jump in your bed with you and snap a few

Hey boe hop in with him, this is so funny. (this is so sunny) Not too shabby for a 2 year old.

Resistance is Futile

2008-08-21T13:02:00.005-06:00

This is what I hear about 10 minutes ago, as I am working on this blog . . .

Boe - now just hold still and let me get you dressed!

Sam (who actually goes by George lately?) - no! mommy do it.

Boe - if you would just hold still . . . SAM . . . I am trying to help you.

Sam - (screams)

Boe - Mom, sam won't let me get him dressed.

Boe - Sam I am your big sister and you need to let me get you dressed.

Me - george, let boe help you get dressed (grabs camera)

let's see here, I've got his shirt and some pants.

just need to get this on his head and he's holding so still

(resistance) sam you really need to just hold still

There we go, now just put this on

Mom! He just won't let me.

(Sam grabs shirt and pulls, Boe throws huge fit. Sam wins)

I was only gone an hour

2008-08-21T12:52:00.004-06:00

Honest, I went visiting teaching . . . which deserves some mentioning, but we'll talk about that later. I left at 4:50, and I got home at 6:05! Travis walks out of the house holding my little Max with a freshly sheared head! I immediatley started crying! Judge for yourself . . .

ps i'm coming to terms with it.

Camera Shy

2008-08-19T18:41:00.007-06:00

As a mother, I can only hope that my children will grow out of their shyness and grasp life with both hands. That the quiet noise that they project will only get louder and more boisterous . . . that they will some day . . . WHO AM I KIDDING!

Funny, funny boy. He has the best sense of humor.

a daily occurance
Not really sure?

Mad at the gate.
Stuck!
Who sits like this?
Dots courtesy of Sam

Her new 'skids' and helmet.

Pose - o - rama!

Where has the summer gone.

2008-08-19T17:19:00.003-06:00

So . . . it's August. I'll start blogging again about how much I despise Wyoming Winters and how it's just around the corner and how it makes me puke up a little in my mouth. . . . Or, I'll just let you know all of the great things that we did this summer. HOORAY FOR SUMMER. I have been rejuvenated and I am ready to face another you-know-what. I'm going to start being more positive and grateful. I will start now! . . . Well I'll start right after I say that my husband is going to the academy on Monday for 13 weeks. If I were someone who said bad words, boy would you get an ear full. I have been trying to talk myself into a good attitude for weeks now, to no avail. I am really freaking out here. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the idea that I have 65 nights alone, 65 days with no daddy to run to, 65 bath times, 65 X 3 meals that will consist of nothing more than what can be cooked in the microwave, or spread on bread. 65 days of trying to expain that dad will be home soon, I promise. 13 Friday nights waiting for him to finish the 6 hour drive to see us. 13 Sunday afternoons ruined because Dad is leaving Again, and 13 Mondays that we may as well just write off now. But with my new positive attitude and gratitude for all that is good in my life, I WILL BE FINE. Honestly, I will. I know that I will . . . but just incase, could you just call and make sure that I am!?

Starting NOW!!!

Our Summer in Summary

2008-08-18T17:36:00.006-06:00

Camped at the beach for a week and had the time of our lives.
Took naps whenever we wanted to.
Played in the sand.
The Haycocks were there to share in the fun.

Swim Lessons, Boe can really swim! Sort of . . .
Our favorite babysitter/swim teacher. . . . Keisha
Boe met Abby 'Gadabby' at Seaworld and was SO happy.

Sam was scared to death.

I love Sea World.
Saw the temple on the Freeway to Sea World. LOVE IT!

Grandma and Papa took us to the zoo with our cousins, we love our cousins!

Zebra's rock
Giraffes are super cool
Wagons save mom and dad all of the pain!
Even Mackers loved the zoo.

Me, a hypochondriac?

2008-08-17T18:02:00.002-06:00

If you know me at all. I am quite certain that any and all cuts, scrapes, bruises or bumps can almost always lead to a certain painful death. I am a hypochondriac. There I said it. I panic, at the first sign of sickness, I am ready to run to the doctor or at least call. Whenever someone falls, I am sure that something is broken.

The past couple of weeks, have been no exception. Sam has a standing appointment at the clinic. He ran into the tailgate and split his forehead open one week, the next he broke out in these hives/bumps/rash/unknown disease. . . . Then Boe got them and I thought they might have to commit me. All is well now, no thanks to any of the 4 doctors that I took them to!

look at that fat lip!
Bad lighting, but the rash is there!
Poor Babies.

This is what makes life FUN!

2008-08-16T18:34:00.000-06:00

I couldn't find Boe and Sam anywhere, time for bed and they somehow disappear.

I know I put these laundry baskets away . . . .
hmmm . . . . here's one
and here is the other one.

Is it finally Summertime?

2008-06-18T11:32:00.005-06:00

I am happy to report . . . it's officially summer at the Gregory's. We've played outside without coats . . . just hats . . . and sort of ran through the 'splinkers.'

We've also gone frog hunting a lot.

'But we have to wear our special frog humping hats!' says Boe!

Multi-talented!

2008-06-18T11:23:00.005-06:00

You know we gave our kids three letter names for a reason!

We had no idea all the talents they would posess! And what enormous Mouths they would have.

Poor Dad . . . just not as able!

9 to 5!

2008-06-18T09:35:00.004-06:00

Boe has this amazing memory . . . The other night I had literally sung every song we know at bedtime and the requests were off the hook . . . so I pulled out an old Dolly favorite. 9 to 5. I believe we had that on VHS as kids and watched it A LOT. Boe picked it up in an instant, maybe I should be encouraging the memorization of something a little more important to life, hmmmm.

So now here you have Boe Isabel Gregory singing 9 to 5 . . . . .

Take 1

Take 2

Sleeping Habits

2008-06-12T15:17:00.005-06:00

Seems like it's a lot about Sam lately . . . He DID just turn two! But our recent struggle is keeping him in his bed. At night we hear him sneaking around and then we'll find him asleep on the floor anywhere from his bedroom . . . to the stairs . . . to our room. He has a great new bed and he hates it!

the loft
the landing
a better view of the landing

the loft again, it's apparently a favorite
the stairs
soundly sleeping
our room, I had put him in my bed and this is where I found him
funny floor sleeper boy
under boe's bed, which is really the 'other' bed in sam's room

in the hall
with boe's bedding!
his doorway
with the ever present buzzy
at the bottom of the stairs

This is all within a couple of weeks. Stay tuned . . .

Yesterday . . .

2008-06-12T15:06:00.002-06:00

I had to run to Mountain View yesterday and I took Max with me so that Trav could stay home with Sam and they could both take a nap. I got home 2 hours later and this is what I found in the office:
Approximately 200+ straight pins in the carpet! Safety pins, thread, buttons, various sewing notions, yarn . . . can you imagine what may have happened?

Long story short . . . Travis fell asleep and Sam didn't. So Travis got to clean up Sam's mess!
After all the messes were cleaned up Boe and Sam played, and generally they play really well together. Boe can tend to be a bit bossy and take whatever she likes when she likes it . . . NOT TODAY! She was persistant on stealing every toy he decided to try and finally he had had enough. It was however a piece to his Rescue Pack . . . and if you have a two year old you know what a rescue pack is! She grabbed and he wouldn't let go, so she gave a big old tug and down he came, face first, right into the carpet! He was so proud of his buddy nose! As you can see buzz got a buddy nose too!
HOw can something this cute . . . create a day like we had yesterday! Hooray for all the today's and tomorrow's!
Wouldn't you know it. It's a balmy 45 degrees on June 11th! Seriously folks, if I don't get some sun around here I am packing up and coming to live with one of you! So y'all better start prayin!

Let me explain . . .

2008-05-07T11:11:00.005-06:00

It has been A LONG time since I have 'blogged.' Here is why; it's been a long winter, a very very long winter and I haven't been well. Sure I've lost 30 pounds, gained a few back, had my fifth anniversary, celebrated boe's third birthday, and been super busy with three toddlers . . . but the mental capacity for snow can only go so far! I HAVE HAD IT. Acually, I had it some time ago, and then it just kept snowing. I would wake up in the morning, feed Max, look out the window and want to throw up! More stinking snow. It seemed to be falling at least 4 times a week, maybe more. I knew that if we could just get to May we'd make it. Well it's May . . . still cold and still a chance of freaking snow! Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be living in a town with no grocery store, barnes and noble and common convenience . . . but enough is enough. Now that I have that out of me we will continue with all of the delightful and wonderful things we've done inside!

Music Practice, in Chinese

Just laugh, cuz laughing is so stinking fun.

Hug, cuz we are the bestest of friends.

Yes that is a huge bruise on her forehead, combination of snow boots, snow and slick granite floor . . . #!@* Snow!

Eat pudding, pudding is seriously good.

Wrestle!

Vaccuum all the cheerios up!

Be a princess, even if Dad doesn't think it's a 'good idea!'

Just Hang Out! Peace out Dude!

Boe is still posing after 12 frames and the boys are bored.

Princess Boe on her Princess Bike with her Princess Dress . . .

and it's ALL pink!

Fancy hair, thanks to braids.

I just had to include this, I haven't taken a good picture in at least 4 years, too bad Trav only got a little in there! This was on our Anniversary Date. Five good years!

Sam sleeps WHEREVER! This happens to be in the hall outside of his bedroom.

And this is on the massage chair in our room. . . with the massager on, his whole body just rocking back and forth.

And sweet little Max on the living room floor. I left him playing to go and switch the laundry and came back to find him sound asleep.

Sublime Silverlime

2008-05-01T11:47:00.003-06:00

I am just so proud of my Big Sis! She has started her own Custom Jewelry company called silverlime you can see it at http://www.thesilverlime.com/ . CUTEST STUFF EVER!

Boe's Third Birthday!

2008-03-30T14:16:00.004-06:00

Well, what can we say . . . we knew it would happen, but we didn't know it would come quite so quickly. Our little girl is Three! The time has flown, but we are enjoying every minute of it. It was a big day filled with Kitty Cake, because that was her request even though she wouldn't eat any because it was 'be-scusting,' lots of family, friends and BUBBLE GUM! For those of you who are un-aware, Boe was banned from gum until she turned three. In January I found Max's sock with a big ol' wad of gum mashed in it . . . so that was her punishment . . . and everyone else found it appropriate to punish me!

My favorite Babysitters!

Ode to the bla bla

2008-03-02T20:42:00.003-07:00

We have to give a shout out to Aunt Traci, because without her, none of this would be possible. HOLLA! When I was pregnant with Boe, Traci gave me Rose the pink striped kitty from bla bla ( www.blablakids.com ) Well as soon as Boe could see, kitty was her one and only love. And as most of you know, that love turned into an ugly obsession. Boe loved kitty quite literally to death. We would cut and sew all of the 'cancered' pieces of kitty (from all of the biting and chewing.) Until Kitty looked like a victim of a horrific accident. Kitty's family felt our loss and replaced kitty, a kitty that had a head, a tail, ears, eyes and all of the wonderous features that a kitty should have. We were so blessed! Then along came Sammy, and he got Buzz . . . same story, buzz is now headless, but my kids don't judge, they just love . . . and chew. Now little Max has mini puppy . . . and all be darned if he isn't chewing on the thing like crazy! Sometimes Buzz will land in Max's vicinity and he will start to chew on him and Sammy goes insane, he runs to the kitchen, grabs a rag and starts rubbing off the max spit. It's my favorite.

Here are a few of our special moments with kitty, buzz and puppy. Honestly they have been better than any blanket, woobie or booshie out there! Thanks Bla Bla!

Kitty, I love you Kitty

2008-03-02T20:29:00.003-07:00

Now that you understand our bla bla obsession. These will make more sense . . . we were getting ready to go to the 'Moose Store', the only Grocery store we have in Lyman, and it has moose, elk and other wild animals mounted on the wall . . . because nothing says small town Wyoming better than that! Boe came up with that name and it's stuck. ANYWHO . . . headed to the store and I go to open the garage door only to find kitty hanging from it. Boe's response: Well she was sad, because she was afraid we were going to leave her. Kitty has a few stray strands from her tail that make all of the hanging possible. Thanks to Boe chewing the crap out of it. Kitty loves the Moose Store, because the cookies there are her favorite!

'Oh mom, this is so funny'

'makes me throw my head back and laugh'

'Can we go to the Moose Store now?'

Life at the Gregory's

2008-03-02T19:57:00.003-07:00

Well were do I start. Sam has RSV, we're praying that Max won't get it. He's been getting $1800 shots every month, since he was a preemie to prevent it, so pray that it works. Sammy is a trooper, still cute and fun even though he is incredibly miserable. Boe is brilliant and bright. I picked her up from nursery and heard this weeks story: They were talking about day and night and asked the kids what do you find in the night time sky? Well wouldn't you think they would say the moon and the stars. Not my Boe! 'O Ryans Belt!' That left them speechless and they moved on to playdough time!

Here are some pictures to remind you of the fun we're having here. And the fun you could have if only you'd come and visit!

Twins?!

2008-02-28T21:05:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when Travis works night shift. We all get bored and do things that we shouldn't . . . i.e. dress Sammy up like a girl, and put his luscious locks in pig tails. PS that is Sam dressed as a girl, you thought it was Boe didn't you! This really makes Travis MAD at me!!! (he wanted me to put that 'for the record')

Happy 30th Trav!!!

2008-02-21T20:59:00.003-07:00

Travis turned thirty, I just had to put that out there! He's not handling it well and I'm hoping that you can offer him some support, a shoulder to cry on and/or a helping hand!

Here's what we did for his birthday . . . we had a blast.

There is the greatest lodge we stopped at and had lunch.

The progression of a drift!

2008-02-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

What is a drift, some of you may be asking? Well here in Windy Wyoming it's what we consider a winter wonder! As in I wonder when this stinking wind will stop blowing and let me out of my own driveway! For example, today I left the house at approximately 11:45, it was tough backing out, but with four wheel drive no problem. I returned home at 12:30 and there was no possible way I would be getting back into my garage without a substantial run of the snowblower! A 'drift' is created when you get a considerable amount of snow and then the wind forces the smallest particles into amazing shapes and astounding sizes, filling in any hole, track or road it can find. For instance, this is an illustration of a drift in my own yard. (I would like to add that the bigger the drift gets the longer it will last and the more mud my children will bring in my house during the spring!!! I am guessing this drift will be here until July.)

In the beginning things didn't seem to bad, a little snow . . . Good times!

Then the wind started . . .

It warmed up a little and Raegin Hadley and Cooper came and built a snow fort.

And then it snowed and then it blew and blew and blew . . .

and blew some more!

Sunday Afternoon Naps?

2008-02-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

Here they are . . . totally worth the wait!

Today we got home from church and after three hours with these three you can imagine how all of us are up for a nap. Especially mom and dad! We had a quick lunch and then I fell asleep for a good two hours. I woke up to Boe's sweet voice in the living room, she was saying A LOT. I woke Trav and told him to go see what she was doing, I am that wife . . . ! Boe had been busy, very busy! For the two hours we were asleep, she kept herself quietly busy. Nothing was in disarray, just re-arranged. My whole pantry for instance! As Travis inspected the rest of the house, Boe comes running up to him with the camera and says, "dad, look at these they are so funny!" And this is what he saw:

Well, I've tried and tried to load the pictures, they really are hillarious. One of her mouth, her foot, a few artistic views around the house . . . I'll post them as soon as I can, stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Scotty

2008-01-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today was my Dad's birthday so I decided to brave the icy cold to go and take a flower to his grave. Since Boe has been talking about him, I thought this would be a great time to try and help her understand . . . ! We went to the flower shop and I let her pick the flower. Ofcourse you would know it would be the pinkest of pink Gerber Daisies, probably my first pick too! We loaded up and drove to the snow covered cemetery to delivery our present, probably not my dad's first pick!! I carried her over, with snow to my knees and did my best to clear the front of the stone. I let her place the flower, and that is when my precious little girl . . . GOT REALLY REALLY MAD! That was her flower and we shouldn't leave it in the snow! "Well, when will Grandpa Scotty come and get it?" . . . Maybe we'll try again next year! Happy Birthday Dad, we sure miss you!

Clearing up any Confusion

2008-01-18T15:17:00.001-07:00

This is Frida Kahlo, and that is Boe looking like Frida Kahlo.

Silly Sam

2008-01-12T13:27:00.001-07:00

He makes us laugh, is such a joy and finds every happy moment in life. We LOVE HIM!

Sweet little Max

2008-01-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

He loves to smile and it makes us all smile when he does! He is the happiest baby, definitely a keeper!

Just Boe being Boe

2008-01-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

I just love these. She is busy and wonderful, and she adds so much joy to our home. How can you not smile when you see her little make-up, our very own Frieda Kahlo! (this can be accomplished by simply running the eyeshadow brush slowly from brow to brow, redipping in the eye shadow SEVERAL times, then add a touch of gloss to finish the look!) She did that one morning while I was still in bed . . . . She was just getting ready for the day! She is a great mommy and an excellent sorter of all things colorful.

My cousin Conner

2008-01-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin Conner, he's great. He has a kinker (pacifier). It makes me laugh and I like to steal it from him and run. We are great friends. He likes to wrestle and it makes me a little nervous.

First Haircuts

2008-01-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Neither one have ever had a haircut . . . I guess it just never occurred to me. They both loved it. Sam 'loves to have his hair done.' Thanks Miss Julie!

Merry Christmas!

2008-01-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

2007 in Numbers
2 different houses
1 getaway to Vegas, 0 shows, meals, or slots played
1 broken water in the MGM Grand, 5 hours after our plane landed
41 Days in a hospital 536 miles from home, 63 hospital bills
1 new baby 15 days on oxygen 13 pounds and growing like a weed
2 BUSY toddlers
2 little boy bums to change using 3285 diapers and 6560 wipes
10 time outs for playing in the toilet
1 potty training disaster, it wasn’t a graham cracker ball sam found! And ATE! And Threw Up!
8 ‘good nights’ until boe’s finally in bed
1 extra body in bed on some early mornings
45 Days at the police academy 19 hours of burning from the pepper spray
5 seconds of torture from the taser
5-10 Trips to the Potty every day
522 pig tails 34 sets of ribbons and 22 bows
2 imaginary friends
2190 Meals and snacks 600 go-gurts 36 boxes of cheerios
260 Gallons of milk 71 cans of formula
2300 pictures taken 689 developed 689 still in box
1 TIVO, wonderful wonderful TiVO
2500 prayers for patience
1 huge imagination
1 very anxious follower
1 sweet little sleeper
1,000,000 tiny steps
100,000 hugs and kisses
10,000 I love you’s
1,000 heart melting smiles
100 moments that make everything absolutely worth it.

At the end of every day:
15 toys on the floor
4 sippy’s to wash
3 Beautiful babies to bathe, comb and lotion
1 amazingly patient and wonderful dad
1 tired, but thankful mom
Too many blessings to count
. . . and no more babies on the way!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love Travis Heidi .Boe Sam & Max

Boe the Builder, big sister extraordinaire

2007-12-13T13:13:00.001-07:00

As you can see, she thought it would be nice if Kitty kept Max company in his swing. I did not see how she got kitty in, only that she had . . . Max will someday return the favor, I AM CERTAIN!!

Here she is . . . toolbelt securely fastened, drill in hand, 'hardhat' with bow in place, high heels on, ready to start the days work in her dress and tights!

SMILES!
HUGS!
. . . AND KISSES!
Max is truly the luckiest kid in the world! Aren't we all so lucky.

Next FHE Topic: Modesty

2007-12-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sure this is funny at two . . . but what about when she's 16! I think we should get right on this! She is such a big girl and dresses herself everyday. Usually it's pink with some pink and a little hint of pink to accent the pink! Today it was a tiny bit of pink barely past her rear with black boots . . . WHAT!

oohhh . . . thweet Maxth ith a thumb thucker!

2007-12-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

Boe has a lisp! And that is what she said when she saw these pictures!! Isn't he sweet!

Why we love a fake tree

2007-12-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

I do love the magical smell of a freshly cut Wyoming blue spruce . . . However, I do not love the needles, the mess and the previously mentioned 'incident!' I love my fake tree, I would love it even more if it were pre-lit. Let's take a journey back to 2004, I'm in Shopko, it's the end of November and I've gone to purchase our first tree . . . because it is our first Christmas together, thanks to the Navy!*$#% So I call Travis to see what his thoughts are, and as I stand in the middle of the Christmas Tree Display arguing about the pre-lit/non pre-lit, I give in. He wins, he thinks that is one of the great parts of Christmas, putting the lights on the tree . . . and he promises he will be the one to put the lights on the tree EVERY year! As you might imagine, my arms are still healing from all the scratches I incurred whilst lighting the NOT pre-lit tree! Hmmmm . . . . this isn't working out so good for me. The tree is lit and beautiful and I can't complain, I am thrilled with it. If you are wondering were all the presents are just take a looksy at the last picture and I'm sure you can understand why it was NECESSARY.

Why we love Wyoming

2007-12-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Finding our own Christmas tree up in the mountains . . . What a delight. Playing with all the fun cousins, Runny noses, freezing hands, falling down on the earth not so covered in snow, to find that perfect tree . . . . the one you'll have to still cut six feet off of when you get home (because the great outdoors totally messes with your perception of what 10 feet might be!) You get it home set it up. Decorate the crap out of it because the limbs are about 18 inches apart . . . turn the lights on and head to Grandma's to set up her tree. Come home and find your beautiful tree on the floor . . . broken lamp, ornaments strewn from here to there, water soaking into all the seams of your brand new hardwood floor. . . . but the lights are all still on! (if we'd only grabbed the camera)

. . . so then you decide the real tree would look great on the front porch and you set up the fake one and every one is happy! Especially mom!

Mom and Dad's Halloween Fun!

2007-11-04T00:08:00.001-06:00

Kiss and a Groupie. Drew Carey and Mimi (How great is this?!)
Dude! And our kids weren't even fazed by it!

What does that tell you.

Congratulations, white trash lady (my sister Traci) in a robe . . .

You've just won a million dollars!

Karaoke Anyone!

I preformed my classic karaoke song . . . 4 non blondes!

Not a dry eye in the house!

These two chose another genre . . . one more fitting to their attire!

Good Times! Good Times!

Miracle Max or Mighty Max or Mr. Max

2007-10-31T22:42:00.000-06:00

Whatever you call him . . . he is a whopping 10 pounds 11 ounces and the love of my life. He is so sweet and smiles only when I don't have a camera near!!

A Fall Fairy, A Sheep and a Geek

2007-10-31T22:05:00.000-06:00

This pose was her idea. How can a two year old have so much to say about things?

Napolean Dynamite!!!

Here is a darling look a like!
Let the sugar highs begin . . . . and then let them fall. And boy did they! I've never seen them fall asleep so fast.

Hmmmm . . . someone is a little pouty! I think I mentioned that she wouldn't be able to eat ALL the candy tonight, just some . . . !

We agreed that some of the candy would be better than none!

Halloween was great fun and NO SNOW!

Thankful for 8 pm

2007-10-23T16:43:00.000-06:00

I've never wrestled an alligator . . . but I imagine it is something like scrubbing, bathing, lotioning, and dressing three children under three every night! By eight o'clock I am exhausted and ready to sit on the coach and watch whatever show has been recorded on TIVO. I think I might write a book about how Tivo changed my life. No more feeling sad when I don't know who didn't get a rose on The Bachelor or who got voted off Survivor or what great jokes Jim and Pam played on Dwight! After the show I can sneak back upstairs and watch them sleep and wonder how in the world such a sweet little sleeping beauty could make me so darn tired! And then I remember . . .

All About a Boy . . . named Sam

2007-10-16T09:31:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I am head over heals in love with this boy. He is so much fun and is never without expression on his little chubby rubber face. His hair is about 5 or 6 inches long, but you'd never know it from all the curls. He is trying so hard to talk and only a few can actually understand what he is saying. But who needs to talk when you look like this! Plus, big sister boe gets him anything and everything he needs.

Blessing Day

2007-10-16T09:18:00.001-06:00

Believe it or not . . . this was the best picture out of A LOT! Travis was thrilled to be there, despite how it looks. Beautiful Baby Max. I don't think it gets much sweeter than this!

We Love the Fall!

2007-10-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

It's been so amazing to get to this point in our life, where our kids are so much fun and really are amazed by everything. The leaves can entertain them for hours and they are thrilled with being outside, no matter how cold it is and how runny their nose gets.

Joy of my life.

2007-10-07T21:57:00.001-06:00

Thrilled with the events of the day, Boe can't hide how happy she is. She had paint ALL over her shirt, pants, shoes and a tiny little dot on her nose. I'm not really sure how beneficial pre-school is at this point. As her mother I can tell you how brilliant I think she is and how socially capable she's become at 2 1/2! She already knows her numbers to ten . . . In English and SPANISH, thanks to Dora. She has about 30 songs in her repertoire, and happily sings them throughout the day. She is a wonderful helper and an amazingly patient big sister. There isn't a thought that she can't explain or a thought she can't express. I am amazed daily by all that she is. She comes down every morning, completely clothed . . . and somedays she even matches. She usually has some sort of hair accessory in place and is ready to go for the day. I am usually sound asleep, so she'll rub my arm, hand me my glasses and robe and tell me that it's time to wake up. "Here mom, get up, we need to go get sammy up." How can I not be happy every morning with that kind of alarm. I am so blessed to have her little spirit and personality in my life. The other day she was following me around the house asking 'What's the matter?' I said 'nothing.' She said again, 'what's the matter?' . . . 'Oh,' I said, 'what's the matter, boe?' 'Oh, I just have something in my eye.' She is constantly providing my lines in our conversations and can carry on both sides of any conversation 'all by her self!' Incredibly Indepedent and Incredible Wonderful!

Vegas Vacation!

2007-08-25T11:53:00.000-06:00

On July 14th, Trav and I took a last little getaway to Vegas before the baby came . . . well little Max decided to pull a fast one. We flew in, had lunch, took a nap, walked across the street to the MGM Grand . . . . and my water broke. I was only 29 weeks and in total shock. I ended up staying in a Las Vegas Hospital for 25 days before checking out, flying home, and checking into my hospital in Ogden. I was there another 8 days and then they started me at 34 weeks. After 17 hours of labor and nothing happening, they took Max C-section. He weighed 5#1, 18 inches long and was absolutely beautiful. We are thrilled to finally be home and have life semi-normal again. He is on oxygen, but otherwise doing great. And we are so happy to introduce you to him:

Max Travis Gregory

August 15, 2007

And the proud big sister Boe:

And . . . the cute but confused big brother Sam:

A rough start.

2007-08-20T12:13:00.001-06:00

Look at us!

2007-07-03T15:41:00.000-06:00

Here we are being all 'technological' and all! We are considerably behind most, but still ahead of some and that is all we need to feel good about ourselves.

We seem to be spinning our wheels lately. It feels as though we are SO busy and are doing so much, but when you really take a look . . . not so much. Two toddlers create more work than one couple can do. It takes a village! We feel so grateful to be in the great vast lands of Wyoming with our wonderfully kind, patient and willing to help family. Heidi is only 10 weeks away from yet another wonderful delivery. Travis just finished the Academy, Hooray, and is loving his job. Boe is saying the darndest things, and picks up on EVERYTHING we say. "Are you kidding me." "That's pretty cool." "I a piece of work." "I full of crap!" Sam is a curly-headed maniac. He walks like a drunk and likes to yell at all of us for getting in his way. Oh how we love them both. They fill our day with laughter, tears and an incredible need for increasing patience and love.